Starbucks to Open First U.S. Signing Store

New Starbucks store will be located by Gallaudet!

Starbucks Signing Store in Washington, D.C. will provide employment opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing people as a part of the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility and diversity
All Signing Store partners will be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) to drive greater connection with the Deaf and hard of hearing community Starbucks drew inspiration from its first-ever Signing Store which opened in Malaysia in 2016  

SEATTLE (July 19, 2018) – Starbucks will open its first Signing Store in the U.S. in Washington, D.C. this October, building upon ongoing efforts to connect with the diverse communities it serves. A team of Deaf Starbucks partners (employees) and allies led the effort to launch this unique store model in the U.S., which will be located at 6th & H Street near Gallaudet University, a bustling hub that is Deaf-friendly. The store will create a distinctive retail experience for all customers, while offering a unique store format that promotes accessibility and offers employment and career advancement opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

"The National Association of the Deaf applauds Starbucks for opening a Signing Store that employs Deaf and hard of hearing people,” said Howard A. Rosenblum, CEO of the National Association of the Deaf. “Starbucks has taken an innovative approach to incorporating Deaf Culture that will increase employment opportunities as well as accessibility for Deaf and hard of hearing people, while at the same time educating and enlightening society."

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